Fashion Quandary: How To Wear Culottes

Ahhhh…culottes. One of the more difficult fashion trends to wear since flatforms. For the past couple of years, I’ve seen fashionistas out and about looking amazing in these flowy, cut-off pants. On the other hand, I’ve also seen some culotte atrocities.

What makes these fashion darlings so hard to wear? If not styled properly, they can take you from “fashion editor” to tree stump in five seconds flat. Due to their volume and midi-length, some style finagling is very much needed with this cool trend.

I was lucky enough to walk in Shepherd’s “Best Of the Week” Fashion Show, and one of the looks I modelled was a pair of Joseph Ribkoff culottes. When I saw them hanging on my rolling rack, I was stricken with fear. “Oh God. I’m going to look stumpy.”, “Ooooh – my husband is going to ask me where the flood is…”, and “I’m not sure I can pull these off…at all.”

Like any good model, I put them on anyways because you do what the client wants and boy, I’m glad I did. Not only did they look great, they fit like a dream! High-waisted, slimmer-fitting, zipper in the front leading to a better fit, I fell in love instantly and like that, they were mine.

Now, I know this style is daunting, so here are some tips to pull them off in style:

1.You can get away with tons of different shoe styles with culottes.

With their flowy silhouette, culottes look great with pumps, flats, sneaks and strappy sandals. So far, I’ve worn mine with Stan Smiths and a denim shirt for a super casual look, along with strappy sandals to elevate the style.

I love everything that’s happening in this pic. Look at those shoes! (Source: www.northofmanhattan.com)

2. Pleated culottes – the “non-skirt”

Still not convinced? Give a pair of pleated culottes in a light fabric such as crepe de chine. Culottes made with this fabric will drape more like a skirt, allowing for maximum flowy femininity. You’ll have the look of a beautiful midi-skirt, but tada! They’re pants!

Source: Glamour, Getty Images

3. Pair them with a matching crop top – seriously.

Matching your boldly-printed culottes with a matching crop top is seriously on point. It looks fresh and of the moment, and is remarkably easy to wear. It also elongates your body, therefore eliminating the dreaded stumpy look.

Crazy…AWESOME! (Source: www.thefashionfoot.com)

Kenny J knows what’s up.

3. Just go monotone…

…like I did. I love monotone looks. They are really fashion forward and I love any excuse to add bold accessories to zhuzh up the outfit like fun hats, great shoes and stand-out jewelry.

Editor extraordinaire, Mira Duma

4. Pair them with a blazer for work.

Keep your culottes professional by opting for those made with light wool fabrics or heavy cottons, pairing with a great white blouse and adding a blazer.

I have a pair of culottes and the only way I can rock them is with heels and a shorter cut top, otherwise, I like look like a frumpy child playing dress up! I really like the look of the pleated version but I’m worried the pleating would be overwhelming on my frame. I’d have to try that style on to see!

okay, you’ve convinced me. I need to try culottes. Officially and completely. I love te “non-skirt” aspect to them, especially for work. I love love love wearing skirts to work but when you’re playing with small children and crawling around on the floor, even a good maxi skirt can end in disaster. And nobody wants that particular disaster around young impressionable children! I’m definitely going to keep my eye out for a pair now. Thanks for sharing the tips!